March 17

March 17, 1919 – February 15, 1965   Nat King Cole

Born Nathaniel Adams Cole on March 17, 1919. Cole became a musical legend from his time until today. The singer and jazz pianist acquired international fame due to his array of musical talents and unique voice. Cole also became one of the first African Americans to host a national television show, when in 1956 the Nat King Cole Show was broadcast on NBC. The legendary musician succumbed to lung cancer on February 15,1965 in Santa Monica, California at age 45.